Wrinkles appeared on the bridge of his nose, as he blinked rapidly. “Aren’t you a little young to be going through the trials?”

“Well ya, but Sir Harrod said himself,” she admitted, crossing her arms. “That I’m one of the best fighters in the pitch. No one can match me with the sword, and my use of strategy and tactics is second to none.”

“You should be proud. I’m sure none of this has anything to do with you being the daughter of the Priest-Queen, and the Paladin himself.”

Her face turned red, and she felt a boiling inside her. How could he say such a thing? She worked hard for what she obtained, she spent nights in pain and days bandaged up. This isn’t the life she chose for herself, but one thrust upon her by the Lord of the Moon, who deemed her unworthy to be a priestess. She knew she was worthy.

“Don’t be dramatic,” he warned her, as he sat back and opened the book. “I’m certain of your skill, but even you must acknowledge there is a level of nepotism at work here. Have you ever heard of someone being promoted from squire to knighthood at such a young age? Really now.”

“No…” She admitted and hated the fact that he was starting to make sense.

“Ever seen a knight-to-be squire who hadn’t seen a few battles?” he sneered.

This time she didn’t respond, feeling her face scrunched up in annoyance. She hated that Saras gloated, no matter how right he was. She couldn’t help but think it was true, that maybe her hard work meant nothing compared to her pedigree. She chided herself immediately for thinking that. She did the work, and now it was her time to be a Knight. Noble-birth or not, she earned this.

“You don’t have to respond,” he interjected. “We both know it to be true. Just don’t let it get you down, we both know you don’t handle your emotions well. Would hate for you to do something… regretful. Father would be disappointed that you won’t be under his tutelage. Someone has to replace him as Paladin.”

Saras turned back to his book, as his indication that his sister was to dismiss herself from the conversation. She turned and went towards the hallway, but right at the door, she stopped. “Just so you know, the Princess doesn’t marry the Prince in the end, but the Pirate Lord instead, dear brother.”